St David’s Wettenhall

St Oswald’s

They are on their best behaviour! Is it because the Bishop has that big stick? Report page 21 APRIL 2012

24 1 Dear Friends years seem to age us more than others. CONTACTS FOR BAPTISMS, WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS etc are as follows: We can’t hold back difficult There’s a special air about something circumstances nor the changes that time St David’s, Wettenhall Rev Keith Hine 01829 732491 new, isn’t there? I love the smell of new makes to our bodies – but we can do St Oswald’s, Worleston Rev Alex Sanders 01829 262494 material, ready to be made into clothes or something about how we react to these Licensed Readers: Isobel Burnley 624521, Ann Nicholas 528273 curtains; my daughter loves the smell of changes. new books. Parish Office Holders I was very struck recently by a story St David’s St Oswald’s And at this time of year, we are getting about an elderly man called Jack Churchwardens days that ‘smell like spring’ – a Pearson. He had this to say about Mr J Hignett 528311 Mr M Alexander 624404 combination of several senses when we growing old: ‘Nobody ages merely by Mr R Nicholas 528273 Mrs S Heap 620199 smell the fresh earth, hear the birds living a number of years – people grow PCC Secretaries singing, feel some warmth in the sun, old only by deserting their ideals. Years Mrs H Pope 528755 Mrs J Grocott 611544 and gladden our eyes with spring flowers wrinkle the skin, but to give up PCC Treasurers and blossoming shrubs. The spring is a enthusiasm wrinkles the soul .’ Mr M Cookson 528456 Mr G Heap 620199 time when we feel we can say ‘out with Organists the old, in with the new’ and really mean My prayer for us Mr R Nicholas 528273 Mr G Heap 620199 it. all, this Easter and Magazine Reps beyond, is that we Ann Nicholas 528273 Pat Stalker 625381 Easter Day is a new beginning for every may feel renewed Christian. After the utter loss and in Jesus’ love for www.wettenhallchurch.org.uk www.worlestonchurch.org.uk abandonment of Good Friday when the us. Let us feel the Son of God was nailed to a cross to die, joy of a fresh start, we are given a new start on Easter especially after the morning. ‘Jesus Christ is risen today, solemnity of Lent. Sunday April 1 April 8 April 15 April 22 April 29 Alleluia!’ we sing, and a new relationship Let us greet the Easter with God is born. Jesus, who has lived resurrected Lord Services as a man upon earth, is also God – with welcome and greater than death, forever alive and enthusiasm, so Wettenhall 11 am 11 am 11 am 6.30 pm 11 am forever for us. Alleluia, Praise be to God, that our souls may St Davids All Age Eucharist M Prayer Informal Eucharist indeed! flourish in his love. Incl donkey Worleston

Worleston 9.30 am 9.30 am 9.30 am 9.30 am 11 am This gift, of a new, close relationship with Happy Easter – and every blessing from St Oswalds All Age Eucharist M Prayer Eucharist United God through his son Jesus Christ, is Alex Incl donkey Eucharist offered to each one of us. It was bought by his death on the cross, and is offered every day, always new, always there. Forgive us Lord when we listen but do not hear; when we look but do not see; and Even when we fall away, through our when we feel but do not act. Give us the courage to speak out in your name and the own shortcomings, the offer of closeness words to aid those who have not yet heard of your great love for us all. Help us to remains open to us. We can turn away Aaron Peers become part of your kingdom of peace and justice and to spread the good news of that from our mistakes, ask for forgiveness, Braden Tomlinson kingdom to all those we come into contact with. In the name of Jesus. Amen and be welcomed back. James Major Jodie Basford Megan Alexander This offer is always new for us, but we All copy for the May Magazine must be with Andy James at ourselves of course carry on ageing year [email protected] or your parish rep NO LATER THAN Saturday 14th April. after year, Easter after Easter. As the For advertising contact Roger on 01270-528273 Queen might have said in her ‘Annus Worleston cover picture is of the Horribilis’ Christmas address, some marriage of Danny and Andrea Kondras This magazine is printed for us by Cowdall’s Printers Ltd. 01270-212389

2 23 ST DAVID’S CHURCH, WETTENHALL celebration of their Silver Wedding BISHOP'S VISIT Anniversary on 25th April. There was certainly no Lenten fasting in Worleston on Visit www.wettenhallchurch.org.uk To Ivy and Peter King on their 65th Sunday, February 26th. Rather, lots of splendid food Wedding Anniversary on 28th Feb. and drink when we celebrated with our friends from St SIDESPERSONS To Stuart Hopley and Alice Johnstone on David's the first visit to St Oswald's of our suffragan April 1 Mrs. A. Brooks their recent engagement. bishop - the Rt Revd Robert Atwell. 8 Brownies/Guides Also to Julie Robinson and Neil Shoane The church was gleaming, and crowded; the singing 15 Mr. & Mrs. A. Wilkinson on their recent engagement. great and there was a lovely atmosphere. Bishop Robert 22 Mrs. M. Hollinshead To Mrs. Doris Eastwood 92nd and Mrs. presided at a service of Holy Communion and preached 29 United at Worleston Lil Langley 80th birthdays. about the desert places we might find ourselves in and May 6 Mrs. M. Sherry To Lynn & Paul Farrall on the birth of think about especially during Lent. However God is with their son Callum Paul. us through everything and will not let us go. He said that CHURCH CLEANING & FLOWERS To Helen Charlesworth and John 'Underneath are the everlasting arms.' April 1/8 Mrs. E. Carr & Mrs. A. Nicholas Yarwood on their baby girl Chloe Mary. At the end of the service the bishop presented Mike April 15/22 Mrs A Robinson & Mrs A Alexander, Geoff Heap and David Morgan-Wynne with Brooks St David's Patronal Festival the lay license, signed by him, which gives them Apr29/May6 Mrs A Hignett & Mrs A The sun shone, the church was filled with permission to help distribute the bread and wine at holy Clarke people of all ages from both St David’s communion services. Then, on behalf of the Window decorations for Easter Sunday, and St Oswald’s and with golden congregation at St Oswald's, he gave Joan Grocott and April 8th daffodils. Two of the congregation - Ann Kath Alexander a copy of his book, 'The Contented Life'. and Roger Nicholas, were just in time for This was a 'Thank you' to them for all the work they do - CONGRATULATIONS... the service, as they had arrived back at catering, cleaning, and the organizing which keeps To Richard & Sue Langley on the Manchester Airport from Australia only an things like this event running smoothly.

4 21 Rhubarb Fool Youth Club hour before. We hope to hear about their PRAISE & PLAY 1 lb/450g young rhubarb We have songs, a story and a craft Juice of 1 lemon The Youth Club is open to 7-14 year trip in this magazine soon. olds of all abilities from all the villages in It was a very happy service with friends activity for the older children, while carers 3-4 tablespoons caster sugar can chat over a cuppa and babies keep a 1/4 pt/150ml double cream, whipped the area. We meet every other Thursday from both churches singing some good from 7-8.30 pm in the Village Hall. The Welsh tunes, and enjoying delicious close eye on everyone or even close Clean, trim and slice rhubarb. Put into a their eyes! pan with the juice and sugar. Cover and cost per session is £1 refreshments afterwards. The only Due to the success of the club we now sombre note was when we heard the St David’s Wettenhall: April 10 at 9.30am bring to simmering point, then cook for St Mary’s Acton: Apr 4 & 18 at 9.15 am 8-10 minutes depending on the have a waiting list for those wishing to Lord's Prayer said in Welsh, which was a thickness of the rhubarb. Leave to cool, become members. For more information tribute to the memory of our dear friend then puree through a sieve or in a contact Tim or Jane Hough 01270 522 Bert Lewis who used to say prayers in his processor. Mix the rhubarb with the 568, or find us on Facebook; ‘Church native Welsh at the St David's Day THE BEARDSMITH FAMILY CONCERT cream and chill before serving. Minshull Youthclub’ service. Wednesday 25th April 7.30 pm. Fruit Fools are made with cooked or raw MAUNDY THURSDAY - BRING & fruit that has been mashed, or pureed, SHARE St David’s Church, Wettenhall More Imponderables … We will enjoy a "Bring and Share" Supper then sweetened, chilled and folded into If you take an Oriental person and whipped cream. In the past, Fools were as we recall the events of the Last Your favourite songs performed spin him around several times, does Supper and Jesus' betrayal in the brilliantly! only made with tart fruits such as he become disoriented? raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries Garden of Gethsemane. A plate of 'I am' is reportedly the shortest savoury or sweet will be most welcome. or rhubarb, but today any fruit is used. sentence in the English language. The word 'Fool' is believed to have Please join us on April 5th, 7.30 pm at St. Tickets £10 to include refreshments Could it be that 'I do' is the longest Oswald's, Worleston to share in our From 528755 or 528273 originated from the French word 'fouler' sentence? which means 'to mash' or 'to press'. service and fellowship

FOLLOW THE CROSS See the Good Friday programme on page 6. For all Christians, Good Friday is an important day of meditation and reflection. To "Follow the Cross" through our Parishes as we listen to the Bible, sing a hymn and pray for ourselves and the world, helps us to understand the importance of the Day and the enormity of the event we are commemorating. If you are able to attend only one of the venues for ten minutes you will be most welcome.

THE MIDNIGHT WALK in aid of St. Luke's () Hospice on Saturday 9th June 2 0 1 2 Beginning at Midnight For further info and to sponsor this event please call 01606 555688

20 5 beautiful day and we might be able to do some exploring in Mr. & Mrs. Heap's HOLY WEEK AND garden and pond. See you then!

EASTER SERVICES Worleston & District Village Hall Association Many thanks to all those who have completed and returned the Village Hall PALM SUNDAY - 1st April Questionnaire. Your responses have been very encouraging and will help 9.30 am Service at Worleston immensely in compiling our lottery bid. If 11.00am Service at Wettenhall you have not yet returned your questionnaire please do it now. BOTH with Holly the donkey Harry Dutton.

Worleston & District Parish Council Next meeting is at St Oswald’s School at MAUNDY THURSDAY - 5th April 7 pm on 9th April.. There will be a litter 7.30pm Service & Faith Supper at picking within the area shortly. If you can spare a couple of hours please contact St Oswald’s, Worleston Allan Sproston on 620469.

Worleston Garden Trail 2013 On 22 April ( this year) at 10.30 am in St GOOD FRIDAY - 6th April Oswald’s church we are holding a “Following the Cross” meeting for all interested parties Wheel barrows to be placed at your (especially those with gardens in or near garden gate so that they can be viewed the village centre) to discuss this new by passing traffic. Any size of barrow 10.30 am Boot and Slipper, Wettenhall joint venture of the Church and Women’s large, small, wooden, rusty or otherwise. 10.50 am Venetian Marina, Institute. Decoration can be bedding plants or any Please contact Geoff or Sue Kaufman on other material of your choice. Entries to 01270 618469 or mobile 07837 413225 be in place by around the 16th May 11.10am Worleston Primary School for further information. onwards, with prizes for adults and 11.30am Royal Oak, Worleston children, which will be presented at the CONGRATULATIONS to Sue & Geoff Village Jubilee Picnic on the 3rd June. Heap on winning a race at Bangor on the To enter the competition and further 11th March with their horse "Mr Tiger" details ring Trena Dutton 01270 522308 which was bred by Sue. This was a or Sue Heap 01270 620199 welcome boost to morale after the Alleluia, Christ is Risen ! trauma of Polly's accident at the end of 2011. Just to prove that horses do provide thrills as well as spills!

EASTER DAY - 8th April BEST DRESSED WHEELBARROW The secret o f a good sermon is to 9.30am Eucharist at Worleston A competition for the best dressed wheel have a good beginning and a good barrow will take place this summer to ending; and to have the two as close 11.00am Eucharist at Wettenhall together as possible celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee on the 2nd June, 2012. - George Burns

6 19 Gardening Tips for April

Spring has at last arrived. The birds seem to think so with their singing. The woodpecker has started his rat-tat-a-tat as he builds his nest. He never nests in the same place but builds anew each year in a dead or dying tree. We have had a good show of snowdrops and the daffodils are in full bloom.

Now is the time to split large clumps of snowdrops and replant in smaller groups. They will spread and increase – something for nothing! April is a good time to cut back last years growth on Buddleia – cut back to within three inches of the older wood and thin out all weak twigs. Likewise with Ceanothus you should cut back by half last summer’s strong growth. Hardy hydrangeas should be cut back to the first pair of strong buds below the old flowerheads. Remove a few of the oldest stems completely at their base. Choice evergreen shrubs can be planted now as the roots become active and the soil warms. Do not allow the roots to become dry. Water before and after planting. Good examples are Ilex (Hollies) and Viburnum varieties. That’s a few tips for the shrubbery side of the garden but it is also an ideal time to split and divide herbaceous perennials. Also time to sow seeds of perennials and biennials such as Digitalis and Alcea (Hollyhock).

Keep an eye out for “bugs”. Slugs are already on the move and they like nothing better than a fresh Delphinium shoot, so a light dressing of slug pellets hopefully will deter them but take care if you have pets or young children roaming in the garden. Greenfly will be starting to become active particularly on new rose shoots. At the first sign they can be gently removed by rubbing the shoots affected between thumb and forefinger. Sprays should be avoided.

April heralds the first RHS National Gardening Week (16-22 April) with events throughout Britain to encourage everyone to get gardening. Visit their web site for more details. www.rhs.org.uk/nationalgardeningweek .

I said last month that I would suggest a couple of whiskies you might like to try after a day in the garden. The two I have picked come from the Isle of Islay but are totally different. The first is Black Bottle very much a favourite in the Highlands. It is a blend of whiskies sourced from seven distilleries on the Isle, there is a slight sweetness to its taste followed by a delightful smoky flavour with a hint of peat. A bottle costs no more than the normal blended whiskies seen in the shops. The second is a single malt Laphroaig which comes in various ages but try the ten year old. A sparkling gold colour again with a peat smoke freshness with a hint of seaweed and sweetness. A distinct taste well worth trying costing about £25 a bottle. If you like this one you could progress onto the 25 year old cask strength at £235 a bottle. But if you are trying this one please remember to invite me around so that we may compare tasting notes!

8 17 Green Flag Award Calveley Primary School were successful in reaching the goal of their second Green Flag from Eco-Schools, and to celebrate this Mayor, Councillor Arthur Moran, visited Calveley to join in the celebrations. The Mayor met the eco-team and helped them plant their Jubilee Royal Oak tree. He then helped the group restock the bird feeders in their nature garden and checked on the residents in the newly refurbished bug hotel. The next priorities for the school and the eco group are to support other schools that may be looking to gain their first Green Flag and to cultivate the produce in the poly tunnel. Calveley hopes to become an ambassador school for the Green Flag award. Calveley have announced plans for a Diamond Jubilee Barbeque on 25 th May at the school. More details to follow. Finally, the children in Class 4 enjoyed learning a play “It’s All Greek to Me!” this month. The class have welcomed two visiting experts into school to support them with learning drama and music to support their learning and prepare them for a performance to parents, which is expected before Easter. The performance arts provides a strong foundation upon which children build their learning in creative and exciting ways at Calveley Primary School, instilling confidence and high self esteem for every learner.

16 9 AND WETTENHALL WI wife’s family trees. Any one pursuing President Ann Crate this interest should be very aware of Secretary Linda Edwards 01606 what is in the cupboard by way of 551669 Programme details 528367. skeletons. Over the years various things Meeting on the first Tuesday of each have taken place with fathers not shown month at Darnhall Village Hall. on Birth Certificates, people moving from one area to another and remarried Since December, members had taken without getting divorced, couples living part in various social activities including together as husband and wife but without Flower Arranging, Walking at Rode Hall actually getting married so it would seem and Craft Evenings. that in this day and age history is just Names were taken for a Sunday repeating itself. afternoon Spring Walk at Arley Hall together with various other classes and WOR LESTON WI social events. The speaker for the President: Ros Lea 628176 evening was the Rev G Greenhough. Secretary: Chris Hulme 528630 The subject of his talk was ‘What’s in Meeting 2nd Wednesday 7.15 pm at The the Cupboard’ which for older members Pinfold, Wettenhall Rd, Poole. was not to be confused with ‘What’s on On April 12th the speaker will be Martin the table Mabel’ Blow on “Gardening with perennials”. The Rev. G Greenhough who originally came from Bradford told us of his trials and tribulations following his and his

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10 15 A bit of the Bible ……. FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY In Florida, an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover Jesus said ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I Holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians will give you rest’. Why did he say that? And what does it mean to us today? and Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days. The case was brought before a judge. People in Jesus’ day would have known about carrying heavy burdens and being tired. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his Crops would have been carried from field to market; builders, carpenters and potters gavel declaring, “Case dismissed!" would have had heavy loads to carry. Water was carried to homes in large jars. The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honour, How Donkeys were used to carry heavy loads, and oxen to pull carts. They would have had can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and yokes placed on their shoulders, onto which the cart shafts would be attached. So a others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all yoke became in itself a burden to bear. other atheists have no such holidays." The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is Strange then that Jesus went on to say ‘Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me’. woefully ignorant." Was he really inviting people to take on even more? What did he mean? The lawyer said, "Your Honour, we are unaware of any special observance or On one level, he was telling the Jewish people that they no longer had to keep holiday for atheists." complicated ceremonial laws in order to ‘stay right with God’. Jesus’ ‘yoke’ would be The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, easier than this – it just involves believing in Jesus as son of God. 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that, if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his Jesus was also talking about people burdened with guilty consciences, with shame or day. Court is adjourned." regret, or with fear of the future. He invites them – and us – to unburden ourselves to You gotta love a Judge that knows his scripture! him, to trust him and to accept his forgiveness and peace. Jesus gives us rest from guilt and fear. As he says, ‘My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

14 11 St Oswald’s School www.stoswald-worl.cheshire.sch.uk The children have been having great fun this half term. Sunday 3rd June The juniors have been studying 'The Romans' and visited Dewa Roman experience in where they learnt what it was like for the 20th legion Roman soldiers by dressing up and taking part in a soldier patrol to the There will be a special amphitheatre. They've thoroughly enjoyed designing their own service at St. Oswald's shields, helmets and swords which they wore as part of the experience. at 11am followed by a Beatrice Croft's writing persuading people to bring and share your visit Chester's ampitheatre: COME AND VISIT CHESTER'S AMAZING own picnic in the St. AMPHITHEATRE!

Oswald's school field. Who wants to visit a gigantic ampitheatre and imagine watching the live games? Pretend to be a powerful gladiator? You could stand in the exact spot where gladiators battled brilliantly 2000 years ago. Imagine the roaring of the crowd Please feel free to support either or both; as two gladiators, who are as strong as horses, fight to the death! Imagine the silence of the you will be welcome. There will be music, crowd as the Emperor gives his verdict... But that's not all! Crazy chariot races also took a tug of war, ladies versus gentlemen and place in this amazing arena. Although charoit racing was considered fun, it was usually fatal. a wine bar and a day for all the family. You had to be as sly as a fox to race, otherwise

There will be some tables and chairs, but bring your own if you can. If anyone has you didn't stand a chance! Crashing in a chariot was almost always bad; it was known any further ideas to add to the as a shipwreck. Sometimes, fights broke out in the stands because everyone had entertainment, please let Mike and Kath different opinions on which chariot should win. Who will you support? Alexander know. All ideas appreciated. You could be having all of this fun if you visit the Roman Amphitheatre in Chester. It is a trip you cannot afford to miss. You could be a Roman Gladiator or even a Chariot Racer! Which will you choose?

12 13 St Oswald’s School www.stoswald-worl.cheshire.sch.uk The children have been having great fun this half term. Sunday 3rd June The juniors have been studying 'The Romans' and visited Dewa Roman experience in Chester where they learnt what it was like for the 20th legion Roman soldiers by dressing up and taking part in a soldier patrol to the There will be a special amphitheatre. They've thoroughly enjoyed designing their own service at St. Oswald's shields, helmets and swords which they wore as part of the experience. at 11am followed by a Beatrice Croft's writing persuading people to bring and share your visit Chester's ampitheatre: COME AND VISIT CHESTER'S AMAZING own picnic in the St. AMPHITHEATRE!

Oswald's school field. Who wants to visit a gigantic ampitheatre and imagine watching the live games? Pretend to be a powerful gladiator? You could stand in the exact spot where gladiators battled brilliantly 2000 years ago. Imagine the roaring of the crowd Please feel free to support either or both; as two gladiators, who are as strong as horses, fight to the death! Imagine the silence of the you will be welcome. There will be music, crowd as the Emperor gives his verdict... But that's not all! Crazy chariot races also took a tug of war, ladies versus gentlemen and place in this amazing arena. Although charoit racing was considered fun, it was usually fatal. a wine bar and a day for all the family. You had to be as sly as a fox to race, otherwise

There will be some tables and chairs, but bring your own if you can. If anyone has you didn't stand a chance! Crashing in a chariot was almost always bad; it was known any further ideas to add to the as a shipwreck. Sometimes, fights broke out in the stands because everyone had entertainment, please let Mike and Kath different opinions on which chariot should win. Who will you support? Alexander know. All ideas appreciated. You could be having all of this fun if you visit the Roman Amphitheatre in Chester. It is a trip you cannot afford to miss. You could be a Roman Gladiator or even a Chariot Racer! Which will you choose?

12 13 A bit of the Bible ……. FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY In Florida, an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover Jesus said ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I Holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians will give you rest’. Why did he say that? And what does it mean to us today? and Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days. The case was brought before a judge. People in Jesus’ day would have known about carrying heavy burdens and being tired. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his Crops would have been carried from field to market; builders, carpenters and potters gavel declaring, “Case dismissed!" would have had heavy loads to carry. Water was carried to homes in large jars. The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honour, How Donkeys were used to carry heavy loads, and oxen to pull carts. They would have had can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and yokes placed on their shoulders, onto which the cart shafts would be attached. So a others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all yoke became in itself a burden to bear. other atheists have no such holidays." The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is Strange then that Jesus went on to say ‘Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me’. woefully ignorant." Was he really inviting people to take on even more? What did he mean? The lawyer said, "Your Honour, we are unaware of any special observance or On one level, he was telling the Jewish people that they no longer had to keep holiday for atheists." complicated ceremonial laws in order to ‘stay right with God’. Jesus’ ‘yoke’ would be The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, easier than this – it just involves believing in Jesus as son of God. 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that, if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his Jesus was also talking about people burdened with guilty consciences, with shame or day. Court is adjourned." regret, or with fear of the future. He invites them – and us – to unburden ourselves to You gotta love a Judge that knows his scripture! him, to trust him and to accept his forgiveness and peace. Jesus gives us rest from guilt and fear. As he says, ‘My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

14 11 ST OSWALDS CHURCH, WORLESTON had coffee/tea and a chocolate biscuit. It was a very pleasant lunch and £100 Visit www.worlestonchurch.org.uk was raised for the Wingate Centre, . SIDESMEN 1 April Mr & Mrs Kaufman This month begins with 8 April Mr & Mrs M Alexander Palm Sunday and a visit !5 April Mr & Mrs Callwood from Holly the Donkey 22 April Mrs J Alexander & Miss Taylor at 9.3Oam on the 1st April. 29 April Mr & Mrs Flanagan We remember how Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the week before FLOWER ROTA the very first Easter Day. If you look 8 April Flower Arrangers Group carefully you will see the sign of a cross 22 April Mrs P Stalker on Holly's back. A reminder of that 6 May Mrs A Fletton special time when a donkey carried a King! You might like to read a poem CHURCH CLEANING about it. It's called "The Donkey" and April Mr&Mrs Flannagan written by GK Cheste rt on. May Mrs J Hesketh Do you remember hearing, and singing, about Joseph and his beautiful coat of EASTER SERVICES See page 6 many colours at our last meeting? Then Poole Chapel Services perhaps you'd like to find your way 8 & 22 April at 10.30 am. through the maze. Quaker meetings 1 & 15 April at 3 pm.

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting WETTENHALL COUNTRYSIDE (to which all are invited) is on 23 April at MAINTENANCE 6 pm in the church. Your local family business

1897 Jubilee DOMESTIC I wonder how many of the family names Driveways & patios built & repaired mentioned in the notice on page 22 still Steam clean makes the above safe exist in the area. I’d love to see any Landscaping & Fencing family photos taken at the Party. Please contact Andy on 01270-528753 or andyt. EQUESTRIAN [email protected]. if you can help. Ménages, Fencing, Muck stores &

Stables Lent Lunch 7th March All built & repaired Lent Lunch is sometimes referred to as a Muck heaps removed Frugal Lunch. However there was All field work considered nothing frugal about the delicious soups on offer at St Oswald's. Many thanks to AGRICULTURE the cooks who provided us with such Tractor & man, JCB site master for hire wonderful home-made fare. All agricultural work considered There was a choice between, parsnip, Our next Funday Sunday Club will take We move heaven & earth to help tomato, ham and pea, bacon and lentil, place on Sunday 22nd April at 9.30am For advice or a free quote call: and leek and Stilton. Some people came when we will be looking at God's Pete on 01270 528244/07960223920 back for a second helping before they wonderful world! We hope it will be a Or Dave on 07815200913

18 7 beautiful day and we might be able to do some exploring in Mr. & Mrs. Heap's HOLY WEEK AND garden and pond. See you then!

EASTER SERVICES Worleston & District Village Hall Association Many thanks to all those who have completed and returned the Village Hall PALM SUNDAY - 1st April Questionnaire. Your responses have been very encouraging and will help 9.30 am Service at Worleston immensely in compiling our lottery bid. If 11.00am Service at Wettenhall you have not yet returned your questionnaire please do it now. BOTH with Holly the donkey Harry Dutton.

Worleston & District Parish Council Next meeting is at St Oswald’s School at MAUNDY THURSDAY - 5th April 7 pm on 9th April.. There will be a litter 7.30pm Service & Faith Supper at picking within the area shortly. If you can spare a couple of hours please contact St Oswald’s, Worleston Allan Sproston on 620469.

Worleston Garden Trail 2013 On 22 April ( this year) at 10.30 am in St GOOD FRIDAY - 6th April Oswald’s church we are holding a “Following the Cross” meeting for all interested parties Wheel barrows to be placed at your (especially those with gardens in or near garden gate so that they can be viewed the village centre) to discuss this new by passing traffic. Any size of barrow 10.30 am Boot and Slipper, Wettenhall joint venture of the Church and Women’s large, small, wooden, rusty or otherwise. 10.50 am Venetian Marina, Institute. Decoration can be bedding plants or any Please contact Geoff or Sue Kaufman on Cholmondeston other material of your choice. Entries to 01270 618469 or mobile 07837 413225 be in place by around the 16th May 11.10am Worleston Primary School for further information. onwards, with prizes for adults and 11.30am Royal Oak, Worleston children, which will be presented at the CONGRATULATIONS to Sue & Geoff Village Jubilee Picnic on the 3rd June. Heap on winning a race at Bangor on the To enter the competition and further 11th March with their horse "Mr Tiger" details ring Trena Dutton 01270 522308 which was bred by Sue. This was a or Sue Heap 01270 620199 welcome boost to morale after the Alleluia, Christ is Risen ! trauma of Polly's accident at the end of 2011. Just to prove that horses do provide thrills as well as spills!

EASTER DAY - 8th April BEST DRESSED WHEELBARROW The secret o f a good sermon is to 9.30am Eucharist at Worleston A competition for the best dressed wheel have a good beginning and a good barrow will take place this summer to ending; and to have the two as close 11.00am Eucharist at Wettenhall together as possible celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee on the 2nd June, 2012. - George Burns

6 19 Rhubarb Fool Church Minshull Youth Club hour before. We hope to hear about their PRAISE & PLAY 1 lb/450g young rhubarb We have songs, a story and a craft Juice of 1 lemon The Youth Club is open to 7-14 year trip in this magazine soon. olds of all abilities from all the villages in It was a very happy service with friends activity for the older children, while carers 3-4 tablespoons caster sugar can chat over a cuppa and babies keep a 1/4 pt/150ml double cream, whipped the area. We meet every other Thursday from both churches singing some good from 7-8.30 pm in the Village Hall. The Welsh tunes, and enjoying delicious close eye on everyone or even close Clean, trim and slice rhubarb. Put into a their eyes! pan with the juice and sugar. Cover and cost per session is £1 refreshments afterwards. The only Due to the success of the club we now sombre note was when we heard the St David’s Wettenhall: April 10 at 9.30am bring to simmering point, then cook for St Mary’s Acton: Apr 4 & 18 at 9.15 am 8-10 minutes depending on the have a waiting list for those wishing to Lord's Prayer said in Welsh, which was a thickness of the rhubarb. Leave to cool, become members. For more information tribute to the memory of our dear friend then puree through a sieve or in a contact Tim or Jane Hough 01270 522 Bert Lewis who used to say prayers in his processor. Mix the rhubarb with the 568, or find us on Facebook; ‘Church native Welsh at the St David's Day THE BEARDSMITH FAMILY CONCERT cream and chill before serving. Minshull Youthclub’ service. Wednesday 25th April 7.30 pm. Fruit Fools are made with cooked or raw MAUNDY THURSDAY - BRING & fruit that has been mashed, or pureed, SHARE St David’s Church, Wettenhall More Imponderables … We will enjoy a "Bring and Share" Supper then sweetened, chilled and folded into If you take an Oriental person and whipped cream. In the past, Fools were as we recall the events of the Last Your favourite songs performed spin him around several times, does Supper and Jesus' betrayal in the brilliantly! only made with tart fruits such as he become disoriented? raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries Garden of Gethsemane. A plate of 'I am' is reportedly the shortest savoury or sweet will be most welcome. or rhubarb, but today any fruit is used. sentence in the English language. The word 'Fool' is believed to have Please join us on April 5th, 7.30 pm at St. Tickets £10 to include refreshments Could it be that 'I do' is the longest Oswald's, Worleston to share in our From 528755 or 528273 originated from the French word 'fouler' sentence? which means 'to mash' or 'to press'. service and fellowship

FOLLOW THE CROSS See the Good Friday programme on page 6. For all Christians, Good Friday is an important day of meditation and reflection. To "Follow the Cross" through our Parishes as we listen to the Bible, sing a hymn and pray for ourselves and the world, helps us to understand the importance of the Day and the enormity of the event we are commemorating. If you are able to attend only one of the venues for ten minutes you will be most welcome.

THE MIDNIGHT WALK in aid of St. Luke's (Cheshire) Hospice on Saturday 9th June 2 0 1 2 Beginning at Midnight For further info and to sponsor this event please call 01606 555688

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Our thanks to Jonathon Baldwin for this blast from the past! Tel: 01270 628967 areas throughout Cheshire Safeclean www.safeclean.co.uk Mob: 07850 038401

Your editor didn’t know what a Platelayer is! Quote from Wikipedia: , Nantwich. Inspecting and maintaining the track, including all its component parts such as rails, Recommended by leading sleepers, fishplates, bolts, etc., are the chief responsibility of the platelayer. His duties home furnishing retailers. include greasing points, and generally watching for wear and tear. The term derives from the plates used to build plateways, an early form of railway, mainly used for about 50 years up to 1830, though some continued later. South View Garden Services A local business

Lawn and Border Maintenance Nantwich Deanery Synod, 16th February 2012 The speaker was the Venerable Ian Bishop, Archdeacon of . His subject Tree Surgery was 'Re-imagining Crewe'. The picture he painted was not a good one - less than 1% of the population of Crewe Shed Clearance and Timber Treatment attend an Anglican church on Sundays, areas of St Michael's and St Barnabas' parishes are deprived, there are drugs and alcohol problems, among the highest Garden Refuse Removal teenage pregnancy rates in Europe, many empty shops and businesses closing. Since 2003 there has been an average decline in church attendance of 25%, only St Call John on 07415044824 Barnabas has seen any growth, and last year only one parish in Crewe paid its parish [email protected] share in full. The Archdeacon quoted the Archbishop of Canterbury who has said that 'we must focus resources where there is greatest need’. There was discussion and a short CONTENTS question and answer session, and we agreed the following:- Wettenhall……………. Page 4 We must try to regain public confidence and influence, seek to serve the community, Easter Special Services … Page 6 have confidence in the gospel to change lives, work together and pray. Gardening Tips ……….. Page 8 Other items: WI ……………….……. Page 10 A report from General Synod; we hope to have a Deanery Festival in 2013; Diocesan Worleston ……………. Page 18 Synod elections take place this year in which Deanery Synod representatives vote. Recipe ………………… Page 20 Isobel Burnley 19.02.12 Services and Contacts …. Page 23

22 3 Dear Friends years seem to age us more than others. CONTACTS FOR BAPTISMS, WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS etc are as follows: We can’t hold back difficult There’s a special air about something circumstances nor the changes that time St David’s, Wettenhall Rev Keith Hine 01829 732491 new, isn’t there? I love the smell of new makes to our bodies – but we can do St Oswald’s, Worleston Rev Alex Sanders 01829 262494 material, ready to be made into clothes or something about how we react to these Licensed Readers: Isobel Burnley 624521, Ann Nicholas 528273 curtains; my daughter loves the smell of changes. new books. Parish Office Holders I was very struck recently by a story St David’s St Oswald’s And at this time of year, we are getting about an elderly man called Jack Churchwardens days that ‘smell like spring’ – a Pearson. He had this to say about Mr J Hignett 528311 Mr M Alexander 624404 combination of several senses when we growing old: ‘Nobody ages merely by Mr R Nicholas 528273 Mrs S Heap 620199 smell the fresh earth, hear the birds living a number of years – people grow PCC Secretaries singing, feel some warmth in the sun, old only by deserting their ideals. Years Mrs H Pope 528755 Mrs J Grocott 611544 and gladden our eyes with spring flowers wrinkle the skin, but to give up PCC Treasurers and blossoming shrubs. The spring is a enthusiasm wrinkles the soul .’ Mr M Cookson 528456 Mr G Heap 620199 time when we feel we can say ‘out with Organists the old, in with the new’ and really mean My prayer for us Mr R Nicholas 528273 Mr G Heap 620199 it. all, this Easter and Magazine Reps beyond, is that we Ann Nicholas 528273 Pat Stalker 625381 Easter Day is a new beginning for every may feel renewed Christian. After the utter loss and in Jesus’ love for www.wettenhallchurch.org.uk www.worlestonchurch.org.uk abandonment of Good Friday when the us. Let us feel the Son of God was nailed to a cross to die, joy of a fresh start, we are given a new start on Easter especially after the morning. ‘Jesus Christ is risen today, solemnity of Lent. Sunday April 1 April 8 April 15 April 22 April 29 Alleluia!’ we sing, and a new relationship Let us greet the Easter with God is born. Jesus, who has lived resurrected Lord Services as a man upon earth, is also God – with welcome and greater than death, forever alive and enthusiasm, so Wettenhall 11 am 11 am 11 am 6.30 pm 11 am forever for us. Alleluia, Praise be to God, that our souls may St Davids All Age Eucharist M Prayer Informal Eucharist indeed! flourish in his love. Incl donkey Worleston

Worleston 9.30 am 9.30 am 9.30 am 9.30 am 11 am This gift, of a new, close relationship with Happy Easter – and every blessing from St Oswalds All Age Eucharist M Prayer Eucharist United God through his son Jesus Christ, is Alex Incl donkey Eucharist offered to each one of us. It was bought by his death on the cross, and is offered every day, always new, always there. Forgive us Lord when we listen but do not hear; when we look but do not see; and Even when we fall away, through our when we feel but do not act. Give us the courage to speak out in your name and the own shortcomings, the offer of closeness words to aid those who have not yet heard of your great love for us all. Help us to remains open to us. We can turn away Aaron Peers become part of your kingdom of peace and justice and to spread the good news of that from our mistakes, ask for forgiveness, Braden Tomlinson kingdom to all those we come into contact with. In the name of Jesus. Amen and be welcomed back. James Major Jodie Basford Megan Alexander This offer is always new for us, but we All copy for the May Magazine must be with Andy James at ourselves of course carry on ageing year [email protected] or your parish rep NO LATER THAN Saturday 14th April. after year, Easter after Easter. As the For advertising contact Roger on 01270-528273 Queen might have said in her ‘Annus Worleston cover picture is of the Horribilis’ Christmas address, some marriage of Danny and Andrea Kondras This magazine is printed for us by Cowdall’s Printers Ltd. Crewe 01270-212389

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St David’s Wettenhall

St Oswald’s Worleston

They are on their best behaviour! Is it because the Bishop has that big stick? Report page 21 APRIL 2012

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